Elvis Merzlikins Explains Fight With Tom Wilson, Believes Capitals Winger Was Targeting Him: 'He Got What He Deserved... I Don't Care'

Merzlikins took a two-minute roughing penalty, which led to Ovechkin's OT winner for the Capitals.

The Washington Capitals won Thursday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on the power play, which stemmed from an Elvis Merzlikins penalty after he got into it with Tom Wilson in his crease. And, despite the loss and Alex Ovechkin's game-winner that came on the ensuing power play, Merzlikins doesn't have many regrets — and had a lot to say about it.

Merzlikins opened up to reporters postgame about the incident, where he threw punches at Wilson after the Capitals winger had crashed the crease and ended up in the back of his net after receiving a shove from Kent Johnson.

The Latvian goaltender explained that his emotions had been building from the first shift as he believed Wilson was targeting him over the course of the game, and it finally boiled over after Wilson ended up in the cage.

“It’s an emotional game. It’s an emotional game. He slew-footed me very first shift and he was after me all game long," Merzlikins told reporters in Columbus, adding of his overtime scuffle. "I was trying to grab my stick, I got punched in the head. Before that, I was pretty sure he was trying to get me hurt. I was just trying to get my stick, I got punched. Well, enough. Sorry, I’m going to defend myself."

Merzlikins added that the risk of injury also led to his emotions boiling over and that Wilson specifically was the one to trigger his strong reaction.

“I don’t think any other player on their team would try to hurt me. Watch the replay; he went right straight in my knee. I could be out for the rest of the season, and he got what he deserved. I don't care like, seriously. I could be out for the season. He was going straight in my knee at full speed," Merzlikins added. "I get it; he was driving the net, I get it. But he could avoid me; a lot of players avoid goalies, he wasn't definitely avoiding me.

"I was just trying to get my stick, put my catcher on his back. I didn’t do anything, got punched straight in the face, he got the response.”

Earlier in the game, the two got into it in the crease when Merzlikins appeared to slash Wilson. There was no call on the play, and the 29-year-old claimed that Wilson slashed him first.

"The puck was in my catcher; he’s still slashing me, no penalty nothing. We had one power play today, just before they throw the puck out. How many power plays did they have?" Merzlikins said, adding that he also saw the Capitals go uncalled for offsides. "I’m not going after refs; i understand it’s hockey, it’s hard work for them, they’re doing a great job they’re protecting. But still, there’s a clear slash on my hand. he was after me from first shift. Puck was in corner, he drove throw my crease and slewfooted my leg... it’s an emotional game.”

When it came to the overtime winner from Ovechkin, Merzlikins did feel apologetic toward his team for taking a penalty at that point, but still felt he was justified to show his emotions.

"I feel guilty but at the same time, I'm sorry, it’s an emotional game," Merzlikins said. "I reacted. Maybe I should control my emotions, but I didn’t.”